And the Hotline jury have demanded football make an example of the Scot if it’s proven that he’s guilty of racial, sexist and homophobic misconduct.

Derek Anderson, Port Glasgow , said: “The FA must throw the book at Mackay and ban him from football. They need to send out a message any type of antisocial comments can’t be tolerated.

“I’m surprised at him as he always comes across as a sensible and pleasant man but obviously it has been a front.”

Iain Calder, Hawick , said: “I’m disgusted at the language that is alleged to have used in his text messages and if it’s shown they are attributed to him then he has to suffer the consequences and be banned from the game.”

Craig Watters, Glasgow , said: “Mackay has been tipped as a Celtic boss of the future but if he is guilty of sending those texts then he should be banned from Parkhead, never mind be considered for the manager’s job.

“He always comes across as a decent guy but appearances can be deceptive.”

James Patterson, Shotts , said: “I’m disappointed Mackay didn’t come out right away and issue his own apology over this issue as was hiding behind the League Manager’s Association which doesn’t say much for him as a person.

“If he sent these inappropriate text messages the first thing he needed to do is man up to them and show a bit of backbone.”

Eddie Easson, Fife , said: “Just imagine the proverbial hitting the fan if Celtic had appointed McKay when they were looking for a new manager this summer.”

Trevor Atkinson, Blackpool , said: “Society doesn’t accept the type of comments Mackay is said to have made so why do some people believe it’s okay to say these things within the confines of football? It’s not banter when you are showing crass intolerance and the FA need to be strong and send out a message it won’t be allowed within the game.”

Now back to football matters.

Harry Ingles, Glasgow , said: “Ronny Deila is slowly but surely changing my mind about his credentials to be a successful Celtic manager.

“He’s obviously learned quickly from the Legia Warsaw shambles and that was clear with the way he set his team out against Maribor.

“We need to continue that momentum against Inverness so we can see the job through when we play against the Slovenians at Parkhead on Tuesday night.”